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I came across this article by accident and it doesn't take much to realize in seconds that it appears to have been totally written by Artificial Intelligence. It gives generic descriptions about CTV, the Canadian broadcast network, revealing almost nothing you don't already know and seems to have no other point to it.
But the reason I even mention it at all is the picture the bot decided to put in to illustrate the story. Turns out it's something called a "CTV 160," which after a bit of detective work, turns out to be a very expensive and precise lathe used in manufacturing. Looks like it went out searching for anything that said "CTV" and that's the first thing it found.
I found the juxtaposition hilarious.
Exploring CTV: Canada’s Leading Broadcast Network
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Yes, the “CTV 160 Gildemeister” is a bit of a giveaway here! And the article is flat/soulless, which to me usually means it is a product of AI. Thanks for sharing RA!
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If you thought the previous A.I. written story about CTV (and featuring a picture of something called a CTV lathe) was both lame and bizarre, that same website has surpassed itself with this one.
It's supposedly a story on former Hockey Night In Canada analyst and ex-Bruins' coach Don Cherry.
But the picture that accompanies the article tells an entirely different story that could not be further from Coach's Corner!
Enjoy!
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I guess that’s a photo when Don Cherry blew it…!
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I think he was trumpeting his appearance on the show. He always did try to horn in on everything...
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Another embarrassment from this A.I.-generated site. Only this time, it's not just the picture that's the problem.
It's an article on Terry Moran, who - if you believe the piece - was one of the great correspondents for CTV and a veteran Canadian journalist.
The problem? Moran was born in Chicago, has never worked in Canada and was most recently seen as the foreign correspondent for ABC. I say "was" because he was recently suspended for online comments he made about two certain members of the government in Washington.
He's lots of things, but a Canadian is not one of them!
Here's the ridiculous article in question:
Terry Moran: A Luminary in Canadian Broadcasting
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RadioActive wrote:
Another embarrassment from this A.I.-generated site. Only this time, it's not just the picture that's the problem.
It's an article on Terry Moran, who - if you believe the piece - was one of the great correspondents for CTV and a veteran Canadian journalist.
The problem? Moran was born in Chicago, has never worked in Canada and was most recently seen as the foreign correspondent for ABC. I say "was" because he was recently suspended for online comments he made about two certain members of the government in Washington.
He's lots of things, but a Canadian is not one of them!
Here's the ridiculous article in question:
Terry Moran: A Luminary in Canadian Broadcasting
His social media post has now cost Moran his job, although the A.I.-written article certainly wouldn't have that fact in it.
ABC News axes Terry Moran
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I know I will probably warm up to AI, but so far I am not impressed with its use for research/writing articles etc, plus most of the images I have seen generated using it are always “off”, some of them remind me of bad van-art from the 70s! I know, it will get better, eventually.
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It's baaack! My favourite idiotic website strikes again, and this time it may have outdone itself. If you want a chuckle (or a head shaker) check out this obviously A.I. generated story on the importance of the 92.5 frequency on radio across Canada.
Yes, it's an article not about a radio station, but a dial position. The only specific city it mentions is Toronto, incorrectly saying 92.5 here belongs to "The Beat." That will be news to the folks at KissFM.
Check out this twaddle:
"92.5 FM represents more than just a frequency; it encapsulates a unique blend of music, culture, and community engagement."
And what's with the picture of the ancient train?
Not sure who's behind this completely useless website, but at least it's good for a laugh.
Exploring the Significance of 92.5 FM in Radio Broadcasting
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RadioActive wrote:
It's baaack! My favourite idiotic website strikes again, and this time it may have outdone itself. If you want a chuckle (or a head shaker) check out this obviously A.I. generated story on the importance of the 92.5 frequency on radio across Canada.
Yes, it's an article not about a radio station, but a dial position.
Check out this twaddle:
[b][i]"92.5 FM represents more than just a frequency; it encapsulates a unique blend of music, culture, and community engagement."
Not sure who's behind this completely useless website, but at least it's good for a laugh.
Exploring the Significance of 92.5 FM in Radio Broadcasting
This could easily be a website from The Twilight Zone. I poked around a bit and every piece I read was just made up crap. You’re not wrong RadioActive by calling it a completely useless website and you have to wonder why someone bothers.
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And yet I keep going back to it, just because it takes itself so seriously and is so ridiculous. So at least there's entertainment value there of some kind. But what is that train supposed to be?
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RadioActive wrote:
And yet I keep going back to it, just because it takes itself so seriously and is so ridiculous. So at least there's entertainment value there of some kind. But what is that train supposed to be?
You’re right, it is entertaining! And I too have no idea what the train is supposed to be, unless the number 92.5 has something to do with it, maybe a model number?
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Shorty Wave wrote:
Yes, the “CTV 160 Gildemeister” is a bit of a giveaway here! And the article is flat/soulless, which to me usually means it is a product of AI. Thanks for sharing RA!
Last I heard CTV 160 Gildemeister was doing morning radio in Cornwall.
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The article on CTV looks and feels like it was written by a rather good essay writer from 12th grade.
It is neat, factual and ticks the boxes on how to write an essay, right down to the final headline: Conclusion.
Ah yes, just in case we didn't realize it, that was the CONCLUSION of the article.
As for the excellent article on Don Cherry, he certainly is a "colourful" man.
Just imagine if he were still doing Coach's Corner -- What A Wonderful World.
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If this is the future of journalism, we're in big trouble.
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My "favourite" useless A.I. generated Internet site is back with yet another gem! Last time, it somehow did an entire screed on 92.5 FM, without ever identifying which station it was referring to and where it was located. Now it's published another completely useless page on the other end of the dial, with a pean of praise for 105.7.
Apparently, the frequency (again no station or location is mentioned) is updating its format.
"105.7 FM has recently expanded its programming lineup to cater to a broader audience. The station now features daily segments that highlight local artists, ensuring that the talents homegrown in the community are showcased. This initiative not only supports local musicians but also enriches the listening experience for fans of all ages."
Was this perhaps inspired by the changes at CHRE? We'll never know, but the gibberish it spews out on the subject of 105.7 is only exceeded by the picture that accompanies the useless text. I have no real idea what it's supposed to be, but it looks like something you use to refill an out of fuel cigarette lighter. It has the numbers 1057 on the label, so perhaps that's what drew the bot's attention.
But maybe someone here knows.
I'd love to find out who is behind this site and exactly what the point of it is. Maybe I'll find the answer if I tune into 105.7. Somewhere in Canada...
Have a look at this one. It's insane.
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The really insane thing is that the industry (for the time being at least, hopefully not for much longer) seems content with treating this "slop" as though it has actual tangible value, which I suppose it does as long as people are actually engaging with it, consuming it and thus aiding in its monetization. It's not just "slop", but like you've pointed out, its generic to the point of being utterly useless. No station branding or call letters, no format, no location and nothing else that would suggest any tangible value to advertisers, yet it seemingly does have the very latter.
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My favourite useless website scores again, this time with a piece about a legend of Canadian broadcasting. This influential personality has apparently been a force in the business for many years - including his invaluable presence at the CBC.
According to the text, he has made:
"significant contributions in the field of broadcasting, shaping the way media operates in Canada and worldwide. As a veteran television executive, his career spans various roles and achievements that have positively impacted not only the broadcasting landscape but also the audiences that consume media."
Wow. Who is this Titan of TV and Rajah of Radio that has had so much influence on the business many here love?
Why it's Theo Stockselius, of course. Theo who? Turns out he's not only NOT in broadcasting, but he's probably more comfortable with a cell phone. Stockselius is a 17-year-old Swedish hockey player who was drafted 54th overall by the Calgary Flames in the NHL draft last week. Yes, THAT broadcasting executive.
Well, at least they appear to have gotten the picture right this time. Everything else, unfortunately, is completely fictional. This may be a new low, even for this bot. But I have to admit, I really get a kick out of how wrong it continues to be.
The Impact of Theo Stockselius in Broadcasting
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Aside from the gobbledygook that this site spews out, my biggest issue is there does not seem to be a "Contact Us" section anywhere at all. That tells me all I need to know.